About the tunnel: Portions of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal had
been operating nearly 20 years before the completion of the Paw Paw
Tunnel which opened the final link between Georgetown and
Cumberland Md. Engineers said a tunnel directly through the
mountain was the best alternative to a winding 6 mile stretch of
the Potomac River known as the Paw Paw Bends. The orginal contract
called for completion of the tunnel in 2 years. Instead it took 14
years from 1836 to 1850. Original estimates set the cost of
construction at 33,500. instead it cost over 600,000. At times the
work slowed or stopped entirely because of labor problems and lack
of funds. But when finally finished the 3,118 foot brick lined
tunnel was the largest and most impressive structure on the canal.
An optimistic Lee Montgomery, had estimated progress at 7 to 8 feet
per day; but his full crew working three shifts a day advanced only
10 to 12 feet a week.
Cautions: Towpath surface is uneven. Bring a flashlight and use
the guardrail as a guide Look for steps outside these step do not
have a hand rail be very careful when going up these steps. Weep
Holes - spaces in the tunnel lining to allow drainage from behind
the almost 6 million bricks.
Directions: From Interstate 70 at Hancock Maryland take route
522 south to Berkley Springs, West Virginia. Turn right on Route 9
and drive 28 miles to the town of Paw Paw. Cross the Potomac River
Bridge into Maryland (Route 9 becomes Route 51) to the sign on the
right . From Cumberland take Interstate 68 at Cumberland, Md taking
Exit 43B to Route 51 south for 28 miles to the park sign on the
left after the bridge.
Facilities: Parking, Potable toilets, Picnic tables and Grills..
Camping for one night only. Tunnel and Tunnel Hill Trail not
recommended for wheelchairs. This is directed to those individuals
who are involved with http://www.Letterboxing.org/wv Please note
the following. From the parkinglot go to the old building and walk
around back. From there find the trail that leads up to the tow
path and take that to the tunnel. Enter the tunnel. (Did you bring
a flashlight? You might need one.) When youcome out of the tunnel
continue on to where the trail you are on merges with a trail going
back over the top of the tunnel. Make a hairpin turn and go up that
trail about 14 steps frm the trail # 14 marker. Stop and look to
your left for a blazed tree. The box is there under the slate. Did
you notice that the tunnel and path from the tunnel build in the
middle of an ANTICLINE? Notice how the rocks form an arach over the
tunnel. Enjoy your hike back over the tunnel.